Page 71 of Camera Stays On

“You really don’t know?” he asked, stepping toward me. I swallowed down the lump of disgust and fear. Back within arm’s reach, he brushed his cheek against mine and whispered in my ear as his hands went to my waist, pulling me closer to him. His lips touched my ear, and I shivered. “I worry you can’t take it.”

“I can take it.” I swallowed hard. Was it my mother? Or his? Had it been one of his later dalliances? Was it Gavin? That man always seemed far too interested in just friendship with him. It could have been anyone, really, that hated me and wanted to ruin my life.

“It was your fuck buddy, Asher.”

Chapter 30

Andi

“HE NEVER TOLD you?” Sawyer stepped back, an evil grin spreading across his face. “Not even when he had you naked on set, fucking you on that kitchen table?” He slammed his fist into the closest tree trunk, and I screamed. I jerked back, causing myself to stumble, putting weight on my bad leg. I gasped in pain and glared at him.

“W-W-Why were you watching us?” I stammered. “You’re sick, Sawyer.”

“Am I?” He pulled his fist from the tree and leaned in, causing me to duck defensively. “It’s my movie, Purdy.”

“We weren’t shooting!” I shouted, taking a few steps back. He stopped in his tracks and cackled.

“Have you forgotten the rules of found footage? Camera always stays on.”

“F-F-Fuck you,” I spat.

“Oh, how I’d love to.” He smirked. “Soon, though.” He looked back, over his shoulder, nodding in the direction of the house. “Once this wraps, you and I will be able to have the life we were supposed to all those years ago. Imma make up for the time we lost, Purdy Doll.”

He turned and stalked out of the forest, leaving me staring off into the distance, my vision blurry.

He was lying. He had to be. How could it have been Asher? There was no way Asher would embarrass me like that. He was my friend back then. My closest confidant.

We’d seen each other just the night before. He’d walked me down the aisle, giving me away to Sawyer.

Sawyer’s confession felt malicious and untrue. I knew Ash. He was too kind to do such a horrible thing. No way would he revel in my public shaming. Mindful of my leg, I stalked out of the woods, forgetting all about the traps, and stormed back into the house. Mick, Darius, and Juliet were in the foyer, looking confused and slightly unnerved. They were all now wearing formal clothes.

Dressed for a wedding.

“Where’s Asher and Sawyer?” I asked them.

“I have no idea, maybe upstairs?” Mick shrugged. Taking his suggestion, I went up the stairs, heading straight to Asher’s room.

“Ash!” I shouted, shoving the door open.

“Yes?” He came out of his bathroom, and my breath caught in my throat. He’d changed into the suit he’d worn to my wedding. Ash smiled at me as he adjusted his bow tie. He’d slicked back his hair and brushed his mustache. Time had only made him more attractive. For a brief moment, I forgot why I had come to confront him.

“Was it you?” I asked.

He cocked his head so innocently it broke my heart to accuse him of such atrocious things.

“Was it me what?” he asked. His smile was like a pierce to my chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat, knowing I had to ask so that he’d say no, and I could stop this madness. My chin quivered as the words struggled to form. Tears welled in my eyes and slowly slid down my cheeks.

“Did you tell Sawyer that the night before our wedding I slept with you?”

Ash’s smile fell from his face, his mouth hung agape.

“Answer me.” My voice cracked. The longer we stood there, the more panic flooded my heart, mind, and lungs. “Ash?”

He swallowed hard. “Not exactly.”

My world came crashing down with his words.

“What does that mean?” I shouted through my tears.